Health and Community Services
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
August 12, 2015

Supporting Health Care for Families and Communities

Provincial Government Invests $1.3 Million for Eastern Region Long-Term Care

Residents at long-term care facilities in the eastern region of the province will benefit from a Provincial Government investment totalling approximately $1.3 million. This investment will assist with facility upgrades, maintenance, and the purchase of new health care equipment to help ensure a comfortable living environment for residents and their families.

“Our government remains committed to the health and well-being of seniors. The demand for long-term care in our province is growing, and that is why we continue to allocate a significant portion of our annual budget to supporting our Close to Home strategy for long-term care. These investments come as a result of that strategy.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Approximately $750,000 will be provided to St. Patrick’s Mercy Home to support upgrades to its air handling, water distribution, electrical and nurse calling systems. Close to $254,000 will assist with the purchase of replacement beds at the Agnes Pratt Nursing Home, Saint Luke’s Homes and the Salvation Army Glenbrook Lodge.

“Our government has focused on building supports and implementing a wide array of policies, programs and services for seniors over the past 12 years. Updating and maintaining equipment and infrastructure is an important part of ensuring that seniors and others who need these supports are housed in safe and comfortable environments, and it also complements the Provincial Government’s Population Growth Strategy.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Through a further investment of $126,000, the Salvation Army Glenbrook Lodge will also receive a replacement nurse calling system. Masonic Park Nursing Home will also receive $150,000 to carry out roof repairs.

“Eastern Health recognizes the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to long-term care. The significant investment announced today will provide for upgrades that will enhance our infrastructure as well as the purchase of new equipment that will directly benefit our residents and clients.”
- Alice Kennedy, Vice-President Responsible for Long-Term Care, Eastern Health

Through Budget 2015, a total investment of $133.7 million is being provided to ensure access to new and modern health care facilities and equipment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including $40 million for new health care equipment and $20 million for repair and renovation projects.

“In recent years there have been significant advancements made to support seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador, who require high levels of care. The 13-member Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors, with representation from throughout the province, has had a positive working relationship with the Provincial Government in developing policies and programs which benefit all older adults – including those who require long-term care services to meet their needs.”
- Leo Bonnell, Chair, Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors

Close to Home: A Strategy for Long-Term Care and Community Support Services (2012) can be viewed at: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/long_term_care/ltc_plan.pdf .

QUICK FACTS:

• The Provincial Government is investing $1.3 million in funding for long-term care facilities in the eastern region.
• The long-term care facilities include St. Patrick’s Mercy Home, the Agnes Pratt Nursing Home, Saint Luke’s Homes, the Salvation Army Glenbrook Lodge and Masonic Park Nursing Home.
• Funding will assist with facility upgrades, maintenance, and the purchase of new health care equipment.
• Through Budget 2015, a total investment of $133.7 million is being provided to ensure access to new and modern health care facilities and equipment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, including $40 million for new health care equipment and $20 million for repair and renovation projects.

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Comunity Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Tracey Boland Media Relations Manager Eastern Health 709-777-1412 TraceyL.Boland@easternhealth.ca	Leo Bonnell Chair Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and lcbonnell@nf.sympatico.ca 709-466-2933

2015 08 12                              11:15 a.m.